Using color sensors to diagnose skin diseases

Color related skin conditions or alterations can be determined accurately using optical instruments. While in the past such skin color measurements were only possible in laboratories with expensive spectrometers or special measurement equipment, nowadays doctors can use handhelds based on multi-spectral color sensors. The demand for precise color measurement in both the area of analysis using instruments for medical diagnostics such as point-of-care (Po Ct) and in dermatological research and applications, and especially for diagnostic documentation, is constantly rising. For example, in pharmacology - skin conditions or changes as a result of disease or environmental influences can be determined and documented via optical measuring instruments.

The results of these measurements can be used both for evaluating skin diseases and for preparing treatment or assessing treatment success. Gray scale levels, colors and spectral data followed by a subsequent analysis, color and spectral algorithms as well as application-specific evaluation are the basis for a broad application of optical measurement methods in the field of diagnosis.

In the past, skin measurements could only be performed in laboratories with high-end and expensive spectrometers or special instruments. Nowadays it is possible to perform same or similar analysis applications, such as the measurement of solids or liquids based on multi-spectral color sensor technology. Thus the same performance is provided at much lower cost. Using a non-contact measuring system, skin diseases such as psoriasis and neurodermatitis can be assessed, based on the erythema degree and the skin type (taking erythema and melanin content into account) or skin redness can be determined during a patch/irritation test.

Sensor tasks are also found in spectral skin analysis with (skin) color management as recommendation and follow-up tools for prescribing medication. Multi-spectral sensors offer an excellent price/performance ratio for use in laboratory technical measurements or in “mini-laboratories” dedicated for example to evaluate test strips for clinical/chemical parameters such as glucose, ascorbic acid, keton bodies, protein, Ph values, blood, nitrite, leukocytes, bilirubin, and urobilinogen. Other possible fields of application include the spectral detection of medical and biomarkers such as in pregnancy tests, ovulation tests, diabetes, infectious diseases, and drug tests. Such spectral techniques can be used for microfluidic measurements to analyze fluid contents of medical or chemical cuvettes. In this method transmitted light reaches to a sensor while passing through the fluid contents. Spectral measurements are performed and based on a sample of reference water the spectral shift allows to determine various chemical contents and parameter within the measured sample. Using color sensors, a reference application can be built into a compact handheld measurement device for microfluids. This allows the convenient measurement and data transfer to evaluation systems

Figure 2: Using the multiple range color sensors, the effects of metamerism can be measured, here using the example of two colors identical for human eyes (RAM sample and inkjet printout) with different spectrums measured by the sensor. (Image source: Mazet)Click on image to enlarge

As a technology company that develops sensors for Medical apps, we are definitely interested in developing a product that utilizes this technology.
Please contact us if you are Frank Krumbein, Mazet.
Thanks
J.Pamelia, CEO
EZCO
Surprise, AZ

We like also this comment, you are right. It's always the same problem. I only used this application for skin measurement because in history often spectrometer were used for this and actally we make such designs. So our sensors help in this or other applications to make a system smaller, faster and cheaper in case of the sensor fulfill the customer requirements.

You are right and I'm honest, I like your comment.
In the moment we offer this technology preferably for customized projects with MAZeT. So please contact us to start the activities and implement the sensor into your new device.

The costs and prices for these sensors are highly dependent on the number of units. But they are in the lower 2-digit range(of dollars and / or EURO). Thus, the prices for these spectral sensors are between the typical low-cost sensor (RGB) and an OEM spectrometer.
A calibration for such sensors is possible but also depends on the application and/or light source, target and specified accuracy. We support this process of calibration by simulation and optimization. Please contact our sales team or me for more details.
I like the idea of a plug-off module for iPhone and we will welcome each company which wants to do it with us.

For years, multi-spectral imagery has been used in agriculture, forestry, water analysis and mining to name a few. If you consider human biology as merely an extension of plant biology then it makes you wonder why this application wasn't thought of years ago. The skin reflects, refracts & absorbs light frequencies using the same principles as plants, water & earth. I'd say it's a no-brainer.

Affordable spectral analysis has many applications; what price point will this technology support? How will the unit be calibrated to maintain accuracy through the life cycle? A clever attachment for an iPhone could go far...